Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has underscored the critical role of Customs officers in safeguarding national security, public health and economic stability, calling for renewed vigilance and integrity as the country marked International Customs Day 2026.
Speaking at a commemoration event on Monday, Ampem said the annual observance, instituted by the World Customs Organization (WCO), recognises the indispensable contribution of Customs administrations worldwide. He noted that the day offered an opportunity for Ghana to reflect on the expanding responsibilities of Customs in an era of growing global trade and increasingly complex security threats.
This year’s theme, “Customs Protecting Society through Vigilance and Commitment,” he said, highlighted the duty of Customs officers to remain alert, professional and dedicated in the discharge of their work.
Ampem stressed that the role of Customs now extends far beyond revenue mobilisation. Officers, he said, are at the frontline of protecting Ghana’s borders, ports, airports and entry points, while also ensuring the smooth and efficient clearance of goods to facilitate legitimate trade and economic growth.
He credited the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) with playing a vital role over the years in preventing the entry of illicit drugs, small arms and ammunition, counterfeit medicines, substandard products and environmentally harmful goods. Such threats, he warned, could undermine public health, national security and economic stability if left unchecked.
While describing Customs as central to Ghana’s safety, the deputy minister noted that protecting society required collaboration among multiple stakeholders, including other government agencies, security services, international partners, the private sector and civil society.
Ampem said the Ministry of Finance remained committed to strengthening the Customs administration through policy reforms, digitalisation and increased investment in modern infrastructure and technology. The objective, he explained, was to build a Customs service that is efficient, professional and responsive to both state and private-sector needs, while maintaining a secure trading environment.
He also emphasised the importance of revenue mobilisation, noting that Customs contributions to the GRA’s revenue targets were significant and directly linked to the government’s ability to fund infrastructure, education, healthcare and other essential services.
Calling on officers to recommit themselves to integrity and patriotism, Ampem urged decisive action to eliminate corruption and fraud. Every cedi lost, he said, translated into missed opportunities for national development and poorer outcomes for citizens.
He concluded by wishing the GRA and all Customs officers a happy International Customs Day, praising their work as vital to protecting society and securing Ghana’s future.